Energy industry news, analysis, and commentary

The United States is reportedly under attack by the Chinese government. America’s business secrets, critical infrastructure and wealth are the targets. But many businesses are taking a lackadaisical approach to cybersecurity. Multiple industry studies have shown that the vast majority of companies don’t begin following cybersecurity best practices until after they’ve been hit. The latest and most telling example came Tuesday. According to a new report from information security company Mandiant, the Chinese military is linked to one of the most prolific hacking groups in the world. That group, known as the “Comment Crew,” has attacked Coca-Cola (KO, Fortune 500), EMC (EMC, Fortune 500) security division RSA, military contractor Lockheed Martin (LMT, Fortune 500), and hundreds of others. It reportedly holds the blueprints to America’s energy systems, and has funneled trade secrets out of some of the country’s largest corporations. The implications of China’s presence in Corporate America’s networks are vast, from matters of economic competitiveness to international diplomacy.